Content

The aim is to facilitate students to develop in-depth understanding of the meaning of living with diabetes for an individual and their family in the context of nursing, psychology, sociology and other health related disciplines. Students will explore a number of contemporary issues in diabetes education practice and in caring for people with diabetes. The issues are placed in the context of sociological and psychological theories, health promotion principles, and best practice guidelines in diabetes education, based on contemporary national and international research. The unit acknowledges that global economic imperatives and the local and global market place influences diabetes education. Within this context, the unit explores a number of trends that impact on future diabetes practice.

This unit explores what it means to be diagnosed with diabetes; the problems of adjusting to a chronic illness and the role of family, friends and health professionals in that adjustment. The unit draws on nursing, psychological, and sociological perspectives to clarify the different problems that an individual with diabetes encounters and to formulate appropriate caring strategies. The unit addresses the psychosocial issues experienced by vulnerable groups in the community. The unit links contemporary diabetes practice to current research and provides a deep understanding of the links between practice, evidence-based practice and research.

The relationship between people with diabetes and health professionals and its impact on clinical outcomes underpins the unit, and strategies to facilitate good clinical communication, assessing health literacy, empowerment, and health promotion are provided. Students will explore a number of approaches to caring for people with diabetes and analyse their effectiveness.